On Tuesday afternoon the House Commerce committee brought up House Bill 2241, Rep. Mark Mustio's (R-Allegheny) bill that preempts local taxation of sweetened beverages in Pennsylvania. It prohibits any municipality from levying such a tax while invalidating the current soda tax in Philadelphia.

The bill passed out of committee but not before Rep. Curtis Thomas (D-Philadelphia), minority chairman of the committee, brought up his concerns and offered amendments. Following the vote he spoke with the PLS Reporter about what happens now.

Rep. Mark Mustio has introduced House Bill 2241 which preempts local taxation of sweetened beverages in PA, and prohibits any other taxes on food, drinks and even food containers to be taxed in the future.

Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny) was joined by Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster) and Rep. Kurt Masser (R-Northumberland) to discuss the importance of legalizing VGTs and how it could benefit Pennsylvania's current budget deficit.